Carbo-load to cheer on Ironman athletes this weekend

Iron athletes have arrived in Penticton after a 10-year absence.

Ironman Canada was expected to return in 2020 but, of course, endured pandemic delays. Finally, this weekend, one of the world’s best triathlons is back where it belongs.

One of the tastier aspects of its return is carbo-loading.

Whether you’re an athlete, spectator or volunteer at the various pre-race events this week or at the race itself on Sunday, this seems like a perfect excuse to temporarily ditch the low-carb diet to show your support for these racers.

If you’re observing from afar, you too can join in by creating one of these pasta dishes.

A reminder: If you’re in or near Penticton, get your ingredients before race day. Road closures and traffic delays will make it a challenge to run out for butter and delivery services will also have to contend with traffic control. Order takeout the day before and throw your dish in the fridge if cooking is not for you, but if it is, give one of these classics a try.

Pasta Primavera: Fresh veggies usually over penne pasta and a simple sauce that typically is some combination of olive oil, fresh lemon juice a little seasoning and parmigiano. The best part of this dish is that you can get creative with whatever veggies you have on hand or make the sauce creamier if you wish and it’s still a primavera. Drink suggestion: Township 7’s 2021 Ironman Homecoming, an aromatic white blend.

Spaghetti Bolognese: Spaghetti with a tomato meat sauce – beef, but half and half beef and pork will do nicely. Make it garlicy and thick, use local tomatoes currently in abundance, along with a good can of crushed tomatoes, add some bacon if you wish, and be sure to include some red wine. Drink suggestion: Volcanic Hills 2017 Merlot.

Shrimp Alfredo: Any creamy fettucine alfredo topped with fresh seafood from shrimp to salmon to lobster to scallops, or a combination thereof. The trick here is to make sure the sauce is creamy and extra buttery, no matter what you add to the top of the dish. Drink suggestion: Blue Mountain 2020 Chardonnay.

Mac ’n’ Cheese: There are so many variations and endless options to make this dish your own once you’ve got the base down pat. Use a combo of cheeses, How about sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda for layers of cheesy flavour? Throw in some slightly sweet barbecued pulled pork. Drink suggestion: Abandoned Rail Brewing One Track Mind Pilsner.

Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi can be made with just four ingredients—potatoes, flour, salt, and an egg. Then the sauce is up to you. Try a basil pesto with plenty of pine nuts, maybe with a bit of charred and crispy baby kale as a garnish, or a crumble of bleu cheese. Drink suggestion: Shuswap Cider Co. Dry Apple.

Raise a glass to the return of Ironman Canada to the Okanagan, and carb-it-up so you’ll have the energy to cheer for a few hours this Sunday.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.